We were in Germany from 1999-2002 and LOVED it. Kate was 4-7, Drew was 1-4 and I was expecting Ella when we left. I would love to take them back at the ages they are now (18, 15, 11). Kate would only be there during college break unless she took some time off. I was a European history major in college so I was happy as a pig in slop. LOL Bob loved it too. We missed family but some came over to visit. We've tried a few times to get back but, with the preferential follow on, this is the best chance. If the USAF decides to mess with Bob, there'll be hell to pay! LOL It's supposedly guaranteed but the military does what it wants--we've learned that.
We are at Dover AFB from 1996-1999 (that's where Drew was born) and it was fine. It was cool to be by family but we'll be retiring in Newark (we are in the process of trying to obtain a mortgage for my grandparent's house--fingers crossed) so we'll have the rest of our lives to be in DE!
So, this time next week, we'll be lolling at the beach.

We've never had a deployment this long (12 mos) so I've never done a midtour. I hope it doesn't feel like going back to scratch when he leaves again. We did a calculation and between his deployments and the geographic separation during his Pentagon tour, he's spent more than half his time away from his family in the last 8 years. We've all kept busy and, as usual, the Forum and my buddies here help me out when I'm blue.

I think I ever became a mod during on of his prior deployments. But we're looking forward to be a united family again--well, semi-united since our eldest will be at college.